Distress Centre Calgary

Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) provides no-cost 24-hour crisis support, professional counselling, youth peer support and referrals, and programs at the SORCe.

No referrals are necessary except for two of their programs at the SORCe.

Crisis services, eligibility, and access:

• 24-hour crisis support: Anyone can contact DCC for confidential crisis support 24 hours a day.
  • Phone or text 403.266.HELP (4357)
  • Chat online at distresscentre.com
• ConnecTeen: Youth in Calgary and area can contact ConnecTeen for confidential crisis support 24 hours a day; peer volunteers respond 3 – 10 p.m. on weekdays and noon – 10 p.m. on weekends, while adult volunteers respond outside of peer support hours.
  • Phone or text 403.264.TEEN (8336)
  • Chat online at calgaryconnecteen.com

Counselling service, eligibility, and access:

• Individuals, couples, and families with more complex issues can seek short-term crisis counselling from professional crisis counsellors in evening and emergency appointments.
• Access is available by calling 403.266.HELP (4357) and asking for an intake to counselling or by completing the online intake form; a response can be expected in three – four days.

Critical information and navigation service, eligibility, and access:

• 211 helps any Albertan find the right resource or service for any issue that requires help, including food, shelter, financial support, government programs, and legal support.
• Access to 211’s community resources specialists is available 24 hours a day:
  • Call 211 (callers can be assisted in 170 languages)
  • Text INFO to 211
  • Chat online at ab.211.ca

SORCe programs:

• System navigator and resource specialists are the initial point of contact who assess, provide support and information, and connect people to resources.
• Coordinated Access and Assessment – housing strategists complete needs and services questionnaires, develop individualized housing plans, and provide information and referrals.
  • Requires referral through the CAA system partner referral form
• Diversion housing strategist – non-case managed housing connects people at risk of homelessness or those recently homeless with resources.
  • Requires referral from a system navigator and resources specialist
• Financial empowerment provides education, tax form support, and plans to address financial instability.

SORCe programs are for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Access to programs not requiring a referral is on a walk-in basis; weekdays 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m. at No. 2 – 316 Seventh Ave. S.E.